Tool storage and carrier assembly

ABSTRACT

A portable storage assembly and method of assembly is disclosed. The storage assembly can include a bag having at least one storage volume and a bottom member; and a tray that receives the bottom member in a stacked relationship and supports the bag such that a second storage volume is formed under the bottom member of the bag and above a base of the tray.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/590,236 filed Jul. 21, 2004, the disclosure of whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a carrier for holding andstoring small items such as tools and, more particularly, to a storageassembly arranged to hold and increase the portability of a plurality ofarticles.

BACKGROUND

There are a wide variety of utility bags and hand-tool carrying deviceson the market. Some devices are of the tool box variety, which are ofrigid plastic or metal and include a hinged top and a removable traythat lifts out to reveal the inner confines of the box for bulk toolstorage. Some tool boxes include drawers that slide outward foraccessing tools that have been placed in the drawers.

“Soft-sided” utility bags, which recently have been introduced on themarket, make up another class of tool carrying devices. These bagstypically are made from synthetic fabrics and are available in a varietyof sizes and configurations. Soft-sided bags are generally similar to adoctor's bag with a zippered top opening that provides access to aninside volume where tools lay in a bulk storage arrangement. Some bagsinclude inner and/or outer pockets for storing and organizing smallitems, such as fasteners, drill bits, short tools and so forth.

While soft-sided bags offer an alternative to boxes, both configurationshave a finite amount of tool storage capability. Also, even with thepresence of internal and external pockets, it can be difficult toorganize and to find certain tools or supplies, such as fasteners,electrical connectors, plumbing fittings, and so forth. Furthermore,workers typically do not like to carry a tool bag with excess weightfrom tools that may not be used for a given job. At present, there is noway to organize a single tool storage bag or box for specific types ofjobs without unpacking unwanted items and adding other items to thecontainer. Such an activity tends to be time consuming and leads todisorganization and misplacement of the unpacked items.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved tool storageassembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, a portable storage assemblyincludes a bag having at least one storage volume and a bottom member;and a tray that receives the bottom member in a stacked relationship andsupports the bag such that a second storage volume is formed under thebottom member of the bag and above a base of the tray.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of assembling aportable storage assembly includes a bag having at least one storagevolume, the bag being removably attachable to a tray includes aligningthe bag over the tray; lowering the bag to engage an attachmentmechanism of the bag with a receiving member of the tray; and securingthe attachment mechanism and the receiving member so that the bag isremovably attached to the tray in a stacked relationship and a secondstorage volume is formed under the bag.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a bag for carrying andstoring a plurality of articles includes at least one body panel thatdefines a storage volume; a bottom member secured to the at least onebody panel; and an attachment mechanism to removably attach the bag to amember disposed under the bag in a stacked relationship to the bag.

According to still another aspect of the invention, a storage deviceincludes a base; sidewalls that extend upward from a perimeter of thebase in a generally vertical direction; and a supporting surfacedisposed with respect to the sidewalls to alternatively support anotherstorage device and a bag stacked onto the storage device base in spacedrelationship to base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and further features of the present invention will be apparentwith reference to the following description and drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tool storage assembly according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 2A is a fragmentary section view of a bag component of the toolstorage assembly and an attached tray having a support arrangementaccording to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B is a fragmentary section view of a bag component of the toolstorage assembly and an attached tray having a support arrangementaccording to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a section view of a detachable tray from the tool storageassembly taken along a longitudinal axis of the tray;

FIG. 4 is a section view of the detachable tray from the tool storageassembly taken along a transverse axis of the tray;

FIG. 5 is a cross-section of an attachment mechanism used to connect thedetachable tray to a bag component of the tool storage assembly or toconnect two trays together;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a detachable tray from the tool storageassembly having interior dividers, a handle and wheels;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a detachable tray from the tool storageassembly having a cover;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a tool storage assembly with pluraltrays attached to a bag; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a tool storage assembly with pluraltrays in a stacked arrangement.

DESCRIPTION

In the description that follows, like components have been given thesame reference numerals, regardless of whether they are shown indifferent embodiments of the present invention. To illustrate thepresent invention in a clear and concise manner, the drawings may notnecessarily be to scale and certain features may be shown in somewhatschematic form. Features that are described and/or illustrated withrespect to one embodiment may be used in the same way or in a similarway in one or more other embodiments and/or in combination with orinstead of the features of the other embodiments.

Aspects of the present invention are directed to a tool storage assemblythat includes a portable tool bag component and one or more detachabletrays. The tray, or trays, can be used to expand the tool and supplycarrying capacity of the tool bag. The tool storage assembly can beused, for example, by tradesmen, construction workers, handymen,electricians, plumbers, carpenters, sportsmen, artists and any otherperson to carry a number of articles. Although the bag and assembly aredescribed in the example environment of a tool bag and tool storageassembly, it will be appreciated that non-tool items can be transportedand stored by the devices described herein and the present invention isnot intended to be limited to tool carrying and storing.

Quick release retaining mechanisms are provided to engage and detachablyretain a first tray to the tool bag. The trays also can include quickrelease retaining mechanisms so that additional trays can be attached tothe first or other preceding tray. In one arrangement, the tool bagrests on the first tray (e.g., the tool bag is stacked on the firsttray) and any additional trays are stacked under the first tray. Thestacking arrangement can include partially nesting the tool bag in thefirst tray and each tray in an adjacent lower tray. The entire assembly,including tool bag and attached tray(s), can be carried. For example thetool bag can include a handle and/or a carrying strap(s). When lifted,the retaining mechanisms can bear the weight of the attached tray(s) andits (their) contents to maintain the stacked arrangement of the bag andtray(s). In addition, each tray can include a handle such that one ormore trays can be transported without the bag. One tray can have wheelssuch that when the wheeled tray is attached as the lowest tray, a usercan roll the tool storage assembly across a surface, such as a floor.

Depending on the level of organization desired by a user of the toolstorage assembly, multiple trays can be used to organize tools andsupplies. For instance, a worker can place commonly used tools (e.g.,screw drivers, a hammer, pliers, a power drill, eye protection, etc.) inthe tool bag. Items related to specific types of jobs can be placed inseparate trays and individual trays can be selectively attached to thetool bag based on projected tool need. Trays having contents that theuser does not believe will be used on a particular job can be leftbehind (e.g., at a workshop or in a vehicle). As a non-extensive list ofexamples, plumbing related items (e.g., a pipe wrench, bonnet wrenches,Teflon tape, solder, washers and so forth) can be placed in a firsttray, electrical related items (e.g., wire strippers, a voltage meter,wire nuts, electrical tape and so forth) can be placed in a second tray,and wood working items (e.g., router bits, wood screws, wood glue, sandpaper and so forth) can be placed in a third tray.

Referring now to FIG. 1, shown is a perspective view of a tool storageassembly 10. The tool storage assembly 10 can include a “soft-sided”tool bag 12 and one or more trays 14. In one embodiment, the tool bag 12is an adapted version of the tool bag 12 shown and described in commonlyassigned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/563,024, filed Apr.16, 2004, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference inits entirety.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tool bag 12 includes a bottom member16 and generally vertical body panels 18 that are securely attached tothe bottom member 16. The bottom member 16 can be generally rectangularwith curved corners as illustrated or rectangular with angular corners.As will be appreciated, the bottom member 16 need not be rectangular,but the shape should be coordinated with a shape of the trays 14 tofacilitate attachment of the trays 14 to the bag 12.

The bottom member 16 may be made of any durable material (e.g., moldedrubber or plastic) having properties that prevent or delay theenvironment from damaging the tool bag 12 or the contents thereof. Forexample, the bottom member 16 can minimize water or moisture fromentering the tool bag 12 by absorption through the bottom member 16,even when the tool bag 12 is placed on a damp surface. The body panels18 can be formed of a conformable material. For example, the body panels18 can be formed from fabric, cotton, nylon, leather, plastic, rubberand the like. In alternative embodiments, the tool bag 12 can bearranged to have a more rigid configuration, such as the configurationof a tool box that is made from metal or plastic. Modifications to theillustrated embodiment to removably attach one or more trays to a toolbox will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The tool bag 12 can include straps 20 for transporting the tool bag 12by carrying, pulling, lifting, etc. The straps 20 may be securely orremovably attached to the tool bag 12 in a number of ways, for example,by stitching or with clips. Other types of handles may be used tofacilitate transporting the tool storage assembly 10.

With additional reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the body panels 18 andbottom member 16 enclose a main storage cavity or volume 22 that can beaccessed through an opening at the top of the tool bag 12 or elsewhereon the tool bag 12. As depicted in FIG. 1, the opening can be closedwith a closing mechanism 24 (e.g., a zipper, snaps, pull-tie, Velcrofastener or the like). Attached to the exterior and/or the interior ofthe body panels 18 can be supplemental storage devices 25 for holdingtools, supplies (e.g., screws, nails and other loose items), mobilephones, beverage containers and so forth. The retaining devices can takethe form of pockets with or without closing mechanisms (e.g., zippers,Velcro fastener, etc.), pouches, compartments, loops, mesh pockets, andso forth. Some or all of the supplemental storage devices 25 can includeelastic material or elastic weaves. The main storage space 22 and/or thesupplemental storage devices 25 can be partitioned with dividers.

As indicated, the bottom member 16 can be made from a relatively durablematerial that holds a predetermined shape. For instance, the bottommember 16 can be made from molded rubber or plastic. The bottom member16 can be fairly rigid or resilient (e.g., deformable when exposed to aforce, but generally returning to the predetermined shape when the forceis removed). Tread-like grooves (not shown) can be formed in an exteriorof the bottom member 16 to give the tool storage assembly 10 a ruggedappearance and/or added flexibility.

The bottom member 16 is of a configuration to interact with the trays14. Such interaction may provide for relatively secure stacking andattachment, relatively uniform distribution of weight and/or relativeisolation from the external environment and contaminants (e.g., water,snow, dirt, mud, saw dust, dry-wall dust, etc.).

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, the bottom member 16 can have a generallyhorizontally disposed base 26 with generally vertical sidewalls 27extending up from a perimeter of the base 26. Directions are used hereto facilitate description of the relationship and interaction of thedescribed parts, but is not intended to be limiting of the invention asrecited by the claims appended hereto. An outer lower edge 28 of thebottom member 16 can be received in an opening defined by an inner upperedge 30 and upper surface 32 of the tray 14. An outer lower side 34 ofthe bottom member 16 can be supported by a ledge 36 of the tray 14 suchthat the lower side 34 of the bottom member 16 is in spaced relationshipto an inner lower side 38 of the tray 14. The inner lower side 38 of thetray 14 can be defined by a base 40 of the tray 14 upon which tools andsupplies can rest. The inner upper edge 30 of the tray 14 can be definedby a generally upwardly disposed side wall 42 of the tray 14. The innerupper edge 30 is disposed above the ledge 36.

As is apparent, the bottom member 16 nests within the tray 14 and issupported such that a storage volume 44 is defined by the outer lowerside 34 of the bottom member 16, the side walls 42 of the tray 14 andthe base 40 of the tray 14. In this arrangement, the bottom member 16 ofthe bag 12 can be considered a male stacking component, which isreceived by the tray 14 having a female stacking component defined atleast in part by the ledge 36 and upper inner edge 30.

When the tool bag assembly 10 is placed on a surface (e.g., a worksurface, a floor, etc.), the ledge 36 provides subjacent support to thebottom member 16 such that the tool bag 12 is supported by the tray 14.Although the ledge 36 can contact the outer lower side 34 continuouslyor non-continuously around a lower perimeter of the bottom member 16, itis contemplated that the weight of the tool bag 12 and the contents ofthe tool bag 12 is distributed over a large portion of the ledge 36 tostabilize the tool bag 12 portion of the tool storage assembly 10.

An attachment mechanism 46 is provided to secure the tray 14 to the toolbag 12 such that lifting of the tool bag 12 will cause the tray 14 tomove with the tool bag 12 and generally maintain the stacked arrangementof the tool bag 12 and tray 14.

With additional reference to FIG. 5, shown is a cross-section of anembodiment of the attachment mechanism 46. Multiple attachmentmechanisms 46 can be disposed on the bottom member 16 to interact withthe tray 14. For example, one attachment mechanism 46 can be located onone end of the tool bag 12 and a second attachment mechanism 46 can belocated on an opposite end of the tool bag 12.

The illustrated attachment mechanism 46 includes a spring biased button48 that projects through an aperture 50 defined by a generally upwardlydisposed portion of the bottom member 16. A housing 52 can be secured tothe bottom member 16 (e.g., the housing can be integrally molded withthe bottom member 16 or attached to the bottom member 16, such as withrivets, adhesive, etc.). The housing 52 can retain a spring 54. Thespring 54 exerts force on the button 48 to achieve extension of thebutton 48 beyond the sidewall 27 of the bottom member 16. The button 48can include a control surface 56 disposed on a lower side of the button48. The control surface 56 is disposed at an angle to the longitudinalaxis of the button 48. When force is applied to the control surface 56(e.g., the control surface 56 being forced in a cam-like manner), thebutton 48 will have a tendency to move inward and compress the spring54. The button 48 can include a stop feature 58 to limit over-travel ofthe button 48 through the aperture 50 and/or an anti-rotation feature(not shown) to limit rotational movement of the button 48 (e.g., to keepthe control surface 56 in a downwardly facing arrangement).

The tray 14 can include a feature to engage the attachment mechanism 46.In the illustrated embodiment, the tray 14 includes an aperture 60 intowhich the button 48 is received. The aperture 60 is positioned on thetray 14 such that when the tool bag 12 is placed in the stackedarrangement described herein with respect to the tray 14, the button 48is surrounded by material of the tray 14. For instance, the aperture 60can be at least partially defined by a raised portion 62 of the sidewall42 of the tray 14 that has an upper surface 32′ disposed above the restof the upper surface 32 of the tray. As illustrated, the sidewall 27 ofthe bottom member 16 surrounding the aperture 50 can form a recess 64 toaccommodate the raised portion 62.

The tool bag 12 can be connected to the tray 14 by aligning tool bag 12over the tray 14 such that the attachment mechanism(s) 46 is disposedover a corresponding engagement feature(s) of the tray 14 (e.g., raisedportion 62 and aperture 60). The tool bag 12 then can be lowered suchthat the upper surface 32′ of the tray 14 disposed over the aperture 60contacts (e.g., engages) the control surface 56 of the button 48,thereby deflecting the button 48 inward. As the tool bag 12 is loweredfurther, an upper inner edge 30′ of the tray 14 disposed over theaperture 60 will apply force to the distal tip of the button 48 untilthe outer lower side 34 of the bottom member 16 begins to engage theledge 36. At this point, the distal tip of the button 48 will begin toenter the aperture 60 and the spring 54 will force the button 48 throughthe aperture 60.

The upper surface of the button 48 can be generally parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the button 48 such that when the tool bag 12 andthe tray 14 are assembled in the manner just described, the tray 14 doesnot exert substantial deflecting force on the button 48 during liftingof the tool bag 12. Rather, the button 48 will engage the raised portion62 defining the perimeter of the aperture 60 such that when the tool bag12 is lifted (e.g., by applying upward force to the straps 20), the tray14 will move with the tool bag 12.

It is noted that during normal assembly of the tool bag 12 and the tray14, no manual (e.g., user) interaction with the attachment mechanism 46takes place. The tool bag 12 simply can be lifted, aligned over tray 14and lowered to nest with the tray 14. During this action, the attachmentmechanism performs a self-locking function to detachably secure the toolbag 12 to the tray 14. Alternatively, the attachment mechanism 46 caninclude manually locking members or buttons.

The tray 14 can be detached from the tool bag 12 by exertinglongitudinal force on the button 48 to compress the spring 54 and movethe distal tip of the button 48 back through the aperture 60 of the tray14. Such longitudinal force can be applied, for example, manually by auser of the tool storage assembly 10. Thereafter, a lifting movement ofthe tool bag 12 with respect to the tray 14 will cause disengagement ofthe tool bag 12 from the tray 14 in a manner that is generally thereverse of the assembly process described above.

As shown in FIG. 8, an additional tray 14 or multiple additional trays14 can be attached to an assembled tool bag 12 and tray 14 in a similarmanner to the way the tool bag 12 is connected to the first tray 14.When attaching an additional tray(s) 14, the first attached tray 14 isstacked onto the additional tray 14.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, multiple trays 14 can be stackedwithout the tool bag 12. The tool bag 12 can be stacked onto a stack oftrays 14 or the stack of trays 14 can be used by themselves.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-5, each tray 14 can have an outerlower edge 66 that is disposed laterally inward of the upper inner edge30. That is, the cross-sectional width of the tray 14 at its bottom issmaller than the cross-sectional width of the tray 14 at its top. Inthis manner, the base 40 of one tray 14 can at least partially fit, ornest, into an underlying tray 14. As can be appreciated, construction ofthe trays 14 to nest in this manner can be carried out in a number ofways. Two examples are illustrated respectively in FIGS. 2A and 2B, butthe illustrated examples are in no way intended to be limiting of theinvention as defined by the claims appended hereto.

In the example of FIG. 2A, the outer surface of each of the bottommember 16 and the tray 14 form a stepped configuration. In thisembodiment, the outer lower edge 28 of the bottom member 16 is disposedlaterally inward of the rest of the outer surface of the sidewall 27 ofthe bottom member 16 by an abrupt displacement. Similarly, the outerlower edge 66 of the tray 14 is disposed laterally inward from the restof the outer surface of the sidewall 42 of the tray 14 by an abruptdisplacement. Each of the lower edges 28 and 66 are disposed such thatthe cross-sectional width defined by the respective lower edges 28, 66(outside width) are slightly smaller than the cross-section widthdefined by the upper inner edge 30 (inside width) of the tray 14. In theembodiment of FIG. 2A, the ledge 36 is defined by a shoulder 68 formedby the inner side of the sidewall 42 of the tray 14.

In the example of FIG. 2B, the outer surface of each of the bottommember 16 and the tray 14 follow a linear or curvilinear configuration.In this embodiment, the outer lower edge 28 of the bottom member 16 isdisposed laterally inward of the rest of the outer surface of thesidewall 27 of the bottom member 16 by an generally gradual or tapereddisplacement. Similarly, the outer lower edge 66 of the tray 14 isdisposed laterally inward from the rest of the outer surface of thesidewall 42 of the tray 14 by a generally gradual or tapereddisplacement. Each of the lower edges 28 and 66 are disposed such thatthe cross-sectional width defined by the respective lower edges 28, 66(outside width) are slightly smaller than the cross-section widthdefined by the upper inner edge 30 (inside width) of the tray 14. In theembodiment of FIG. 2B, the ledge 36 is defined by a projection 70disposed on the inner side of the sidewall 42 of the tray 14.

In another embodiment, the upper surface 32 forms the ledge 36 uponwhich the bottom member 16 is supported when placed in a stackedrelationship with the tray 14. In this embodiment, a separate shoulder,projection or other supporting member may not be included as part of thetray 14.

Similar to the bottom member 16, the trays 14 can be made from arelatively durable material that holds a predetermined shape. Forinstance, the tray 14 can be made from molded rubber or plastic, butneed not be made from the same material as the bottom member 16. Thetrays 14 can be made to be fairly rigid or resilient (e.g., deformablewhen exposed to a force, but generally returning to the predeterminedshape when the force is removed). Tread-like grooves (not shown) can beformed in an exterior of the trays 14 to give the tool storage assembly10 a rugged appearance and/or added flexibility.

As indicated, each tray 14 can be formed to interact with another tray14. The outer lower edge 66 of one tray 14 can be received in an openingdefined by the inner upper edge 30 and upper surface 32 of an underlyingtray 14. An outer lower side 72 of the overlying tray 14 can besupported by the ledge 36 of the underlying tray 14 such that the lowersurface 72 of the overlying tray 14 is in spaced relationship to theinner lower side 38 of the underlying tray 14.

As is apparent, the overlying tray 14 nests within the underlying tray14 and is supported such that a tool storage volume 44 is defined by theouter lower side 72 of the overlying tray 14, the side wall 42 of theoverlying tray 14 and the inner lower side 38 of the underlying tray 14.In this arrangement, the overlying tray 14 can be considered a malestacking component, which is received by the underlying tray 14 having afemale stacking component defined at least in part by the ledge 36 andupper inner edge 32.

When the tool bag assembly 10 having two stacked trays 14 attached tothe tool bag 12 is placed on a surface (e.g., work surface, floor,etc.), the ledge 36 of the underlying tray 14 provides subjacent supportto the overlying tray 14. In turn, the ledge 36 of the overlying tray 14provides subjacent support to the bottom member 16 such that the toolbag 12 is supported by the stacked trays 14. Although the ledge 36 ofthe underlying tray 14 can contact the outer lower side 72 of theoverlying tray 14 continuously or non-continuously around a lowerperimeter of the outer bottom side 72, it is contemplated that theweight of the tool bag 12, the contents of the tool bag 12, theoverlying tray 14 and the contents of the overlying tray 14 will bedistributed over large portions of the ledge 36 of the underlying tray14.

Similar to the attachment mechanism 46 of the bottom member 16, eachtray 14 can include one or more attachment mechanisms 74 to secure theoverlying tray 14 to the underlying tray 14. In one embodiment, theattachment mechanism(s) 74 of the tray 14 comprise a spring biasedbutton. For example, the attachment mechanism 74 can take on the sameform as the attachment mechanism 46 and, as a result, the attachmentmechanism 74 will not be separately described in detail. Also, in thisembodiment, attachment and detachment of an overlying tray 14 to anunderlying tray 14 can be carried out in the same manner that the toolbag 12 is attached and detached from one of the trays 14 and, as aresult, attachment and detachment of an overlying tray 14 to anunderlying tray 14 will not be separately described in detail. It can beappreciated that multiple attachment mechanisms 74 can be disposed oneach tray 14 for interaction with an underlying tray 14. For example,one attachment mechanism 74 can be located on one end of the tray 14 anda second attachment mechanism 74 can be located on an opposite end ofthe tray 14. As illustrated, the sidewall 42 of the tray 14 adjacent theattachment mechanism 74 can define a recess 76 (FIG. 1) to accommodatethe raised portion 62 of another tray 14.

When the attachment mechanisms 46 and 74 are the same or compatiblyconfigured, a user of the tool storage assembly 10 who is in possessionof multiple trays 14 can assembly the trays 14 in any order and connectthe tool bag 12 to an uppermost one of the trays 14. When multiple trays14 are attached to the tool bag 12 in the stacked arrangement describedherein, the attachment mechanisms 46 secure the stack of trays 14 to thetool bag 12 such that lifting of the tool bag 12 will cause the stack oftrays 14 to move with the tool bag 12 and generally maintain the stackedarrangement of the tool bag 12 and trays 14. The number of trays 14 thatcan form part of the tool storage assembly 10 is dependent upon thedesire of the user.

The attaching mechanisms 46 and 74 can take on any form that iseffective to removably attach one of the trays 14 to the tool bag 12 andone tray 14 to another tray 14. As will be appreciated, the attachmentmechanisms 46 and 74 are not limited to comprising a spring biasedbutton that is received by a cooperating aperture and include a widevariety of alternative possibilities. Without limitation, somealternative possibilities include detents, resilient members with orwithout catch components, catches, pawls, clips, removable and/orslidable pins, threaded fasteners, quarter turn fasteners, clamps,magnets, interlocking members, latches, belt buckles, snaps, zippers,Velcro fastener and the like, as well as any cooperating structures forinteracting with these alternative attaching mechanisms.

Combinations of attaching mechanisms can be used. For example, the toolbag 12 can be removably attached to a tray 14 by inserting a member(s)projecting from one side of the bottom member 16 (or tray 14) into acorresponding recess(es) or aperture(s) in the tray 14 and tilting anopposite side of the tool bag 12 (or tray 14) downward to engage aresilient member(s) of the bottom member 16 (or tray 14) with acorresponding catch(es) of the tray 14.

In yet another example, each of the bottom member 16 and the tray 14 caninclude cooperating members that have an engaged position and adisengaged position. To establish the engaged position, the tool bag 12(or tray 14) can be placed on top of the tray 14 such that thecooperating members are laterally offset and in the disengaged position.Then, the tool bag 12 (or tray 14) can be laterally moved (e.g., slid)with respect to the tray 14 to bring the cooperating members into theengaged position. The cooperating members of the tool bag 12 (or tray14) can include portions that, in the engaged position, are verticallybelow portions of the cooperating members of the tray 14 so that liftingof the tool bag 12 will result in lifting of the tray 14 by upward forceexerted on the cooperating members of the tray 14 by the cooperatingmembers of the tool bag 12.

The attaching mechanism 46 of the tool bag 12 need not be connected tothe bottom member 16, but could be attached to the body panels 18 orother component of the tool bag 12. The attaching mechanism 46 could beformed as part of the tray 14 with cooperating and/or receivingcomponents formed as part of the tool bag 12.

With reference to FIG. 6, the tray 14 can include dividers 78 thatdivide the storage volume 44 of the tray 14 into segments 80. Thesegments 80 can be used to separate and organize tools or parts in amanner selected by the user.

One or more of the trays 14 can include various features to enhance theportability of the tray 14 and/or the tool storage assembly 10. Forexample, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 6, the tray 14 can include ahandle 82. The handle 82 can be pivoted, folded and/or otherwise movedbetween a stowed position 84 (FIG. 1; shown in dashed lines) where thehandle 82 is disposed in the storage volume 44 and a carrying position86 (FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the handle 82 can be pivotally attachedto the tray 14 at opposite ends of the tray 14, such as by insertingprojections of the handle 82 into corresponding recesses of the tray 14.A shown in FIG. 6, the tray 14 can include a handle receiving ledge 88upon which the handle 82 can rest when disposed in the stowed position84. In other embodiments, the handle 82 can be retained in the stowedposition 84 by a clip, detent, shoulder or projection attached to orintegrally formed with the interior of the tray 14. In the stowedposition 84, the handle 82 can be sufficiently disposed within the tray14 so as not to interfere with attaching the tool bag 12 (or anothertray 14) to the tray 14.

To assist in positioning and maintaining the handle 82 in the carryingposition 86, the handle 82 can include a positioning mechanism 90. Forexample, the positioning mechanism 90 can include a spring biased button92 that cooperates with the aperture 60. Two such positioning mechanisms90 can be provided for interacting with apertures 60 disposed atopposite ends of the tray 14. When the handle 82 is moved from thestowed position 84 to the carrying position 86, the button 92 can “snap”into the corresponding aperture 60. To lower the handle 82 to the stowedposition 84, the button 92 can be pushed inward by the user and thehandle 82 can be rotated downward. In alternative embodiments, thepositioning mechanism 90 can include a detent, clip, catch, or otherstructure formed on one of the tray 14 or the handle 82.

With continued reference to FIG. 6, one or more of the trays 14 caninclude a set of rollers 94 (e.g., wheels or casters) attached to tray14 such that when the tray 14 is placed on a surface (e.g., floor,workbench, vehicle bed, etc.) the tray 14 can be rolled across thesurface. In one embodiment, four rollers 94 are present, one adjacenteach corner of the tray 14. When additional trays 14 and/or the tool bag12 are stacked on the tray 14 having rollers 94, the entire tool bagassembly 10 can be rolled across the surface. To assist in navigation,the rollers 94 can pivot. One or more of the rollers 94 can include alock to minimize undesired rolling. If two trays 14 have rollers 94, onetray may have space to receive the rollers 94 when the other tray isstacked thereon, and/or the rollers 94 may be removed to facilitatestacking.

With reference now to FIG. 7, the tray 14 can be covered with a lid 96.In one embodiment, the lid 96 can cover the opening defined by the tray14 while still allowing the tool bag 12 (or another tray 14) to beattached to the tray 14. For example, the lid 96 can be formed from asheet of plastic or rubber material. Such a lid 96 can provideadditional subjacent support to the bottom member 16 of the bag 12. Inanother embodiment, and as illustrated, the lid 96 can cover the openingand include one or more securing mechanisms 98 to removably attach thelid 96 to the tray 14. For example, each securing mechanism 98 caninclude a spring biased button 100 to engage the corresponding aperture60 of the tray 14 in the manner that the attachment mechanism 46connects the tool bag 12 to the tray 14. In either embodiment, the lid96 assists in the storing of a tray 14 apart from the tool bag 12 or anoverlying tray 14 so that items stored in the tray 14 will have areduced likelihood of falling out of the tray 14 or being exposed tocontaminants (e.g., dusts, moisture, etc.). The lid 96 can include ahandle (not shown) to assist in carrying the assembled lid 96 and tray14.

Returning now to FIG. 1, the tray 14 and/or bottom member 16 can befabricated from a pliable or compliant material, including molded rubberor plastic, so that when the tool bag 12 is stacked on the tray 14, aseal is formed between the tray 14 and bottom member 16 to reduce theintroduction of contaminants (e.g., dusts, moisture, etc.) into thestorage volume 44 of the tray 14. A similar seal between a pair ofstacked trays 14 can be present. In other embodiments, the tool storingassembly 10 can include a sealing mechanism (not shown) to reduce theintroduction of contaminants into the storing volume of the tray 14. Forinstance, a gasket or o-ring can be disposed adjacent the upper inneredge 30 (FIG. 2A, 2B) and ledge 36 (FIG. 2A, 2B) to provide a sealingsurface against which the bottom member 16 and/or overlying tray 14 cancontact.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described indetail, it is understood that the invention is not limitedcorrespondingly in scope, but includes all changes, modifications andequivalents coming within the spirit and terms of the claims appendedhereto.

1. A portable storage assembly, comprising: a bag having at least onestorage volume and a bottom member; and a tray that receives the bottommember in a stacked relationship and supports the bag such that a secondstorage volume is formed under the bottom member of the bag and above abase of the tray.
 2. The portable storage assembly according to claim 1,wherein the bottom member defines a male first stacking component andthe tray defines a female stacking component.
 3. The portable storageassembly according to claim 1, wherein the bottom member nests withinthe tray.
 4. The portable storage assembly according to claim 1, furthercomprising an attachment mechanism to removably attach the bag and thetray.
 5. The portable storage assembly according to claim 4, whereinwhen the bag and tray are attached, lifting of the bag causes the trayto travel with the bag in the stacked arrangement with a load of thetray borne by the attachment mechanism.
 6. The portable storage assemblyaccording to claim 4, wherein the attachment mechanism includes a springbiased button that is received in a corresponding aperture of the tray.7. The portable storage assembly according to claim 6, wherein thebutton includes a control surface that facilitates lateral movement ofthe button during attaching of the bag and tray.
 8. The portable storageassembly according to claim 4, wherein the tray includes an additionalattachment mechanism for establishing a removable connection to a secondtray in a stacked relationship.
 9. The portable storage assemblyaccording to claim 4, wherein a lowering action of the bag with respectto the tray connects the attachment mechanism to a corresponding memberto attach the bag and the tray without direct manual manipulation of theattachment mechanism.
 10. The portable storage assembly according toclaim 1, wherein the tray is received by a second tray in a stackedrelationship such that third storage volume is formed under the firsttray and over a base of the second tray.
 11. The portable storageassembly according to claim 1, wherein the bottom member is supported bya ledge disposed on a sidewall of the tray.
 12. The portable storageassembly according to claim 1, wherein the bottom member includes anouter lower edge that is disposed laterally inward of a correspondinginner upper edge of the tray.
 13. The portable storage assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the tray includes a handle having a stowedposition where the handle is disposed in the second storage volume and acarrying position.
 14. The portable storage assembly according to claim13, wherein the tray includes a handle receiving ledge upon which thehandle rests when disposed in the stowed position.
 15. The portablestorage assembly according to claim 13, wherein the handle includes apositioning mechanism to hold the handle in the carrying position, thepositioning mechanism engaging a member of the tray that is adapted toreceive an attachment mechanism for establishing detachable connectionbetween the bag and the tray.
 16. The portable storage assemblyaccording to claim 1, further comprising a set of wheels connected tothe tray and positioned to facilitate rolling of the storage assemblyacross a surface.
 17. The portable storage assembly according to claim1, wherein there are a plurality of stacked trays and the bag isdisposed on the uppermost one of the trays in a stacked arrangement andthe lowest one of the trays include a set of wheels to facilitaterolling of the storage assembly across a surface.
 18. The portablestorage assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tray includes atleast one divider for separating the second storage volume.
 19. Theportable storage assembly according to claim 1, wherein the bottommember and the tray form a seal to reduce entry of contaminants into thesecond storage volume.
 20. The portable storage assembly according toclaim 1, further comprising a sealing mechanism disposed between thebottom member and the tray to reduce entry of contaminants into thesecond storage volume.
 21. The portable storage assembly according toclaim 1, wherein the bag is a soft-sided tool bag.
 22. A method ofassembling a portable storage assembly that includes a bag having atleast one storage volume, the bag being removably attachable to a tray,comprising: aligning the bag over the tray; lowering the bag to engagean attachment mechanism of the bag with a receiving member of the tray;and securing the attachment mechanism and the receiving member so thatthe bag is removably attached to the tray in a stacked relationship anda second storage volume is formed under the bag.
 23. The methodaccording to claim 22, wherein the securing includes moving the bag withrespect to the tray.
 24. The method according to claim 22, wherein abottom member of the bag nests within the tray.
 25. The method accordingto claim 22, wherein when the bag and tray are attached, lifting of thebag causes the tray to travel with the bag in the stacked arrangementwith the load of the tray borne by the attachment mechanism.
 26. Themethod according to claim 22, wherein the attachment mechanism includesa spring biased button that is received in a corresponding aperture ofthe tray.
 27. The method according to claim 22, wherein the buttonincludes a control surface that facilitates lateral movement of buttonduring lowering and securing.
 28. The method according to claim 22,further comprising removably attaching the tray to a second tray so thatthe bag and trays are in a stacked relationship and a third storagevolume is formed between the trays.
 29. The method according to claim22, wherein the bag is secured to the tray without direct manualmanipulation of the attachment mechanism.
 30. A bag for carrying andstoring a plurality of articles, comprising: at least one body panelthat defines a storage volume; a bottom member secured to the at leastone body panel; and an attachment mechanism to removably attach the bagto a member disposed under the bag in a stacked relationship to the bag.31. A storage device, comprising: a base; sidewalls that extend upwardfrom a perimeter of the base in a generally vertical direction; and asupporting surface disposed with respect to the sidewalls toalternatively support another storage device and a bag stacked onto thestorage device base in spaced relationship to base.
 32. The storagedevice according to claim 31, further comprising a receiving member todetachably receive an attachment mechanism of the stacked one of theanother storage device and the bag.
 33. The storage device according toclaim 31, further comprising an attachment mechanism to removably attachthe storage device to a member disposed under the storage device in astacked relationship to the storage device.